Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has begun offering autonomous taxi services to the public at a price of 5 dirhams.
Currently, these services are exclusively available in the Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah areas and are implemented in cooperation with Apollo Go. Previously, this service was offered free of charge through the Apollo Go application.
Khaleej Times previously reported that rides in such taxis were paid for via the Uber app, indicating that this new feature will soon become part of the daily life of residents.
The autonomous taxis operate using an integrated software system that utilizes artificial intelligence, high-precision digital maps, and deep learning algorithms. This allows for real-time data processing and decision-making while driving.
These vehicles are capable of effectively interacting with changing traffic conditions, including intersections, traffic lights, pedestrians, and other vehicles, while fully adhering to all traffic rules.
The system is supported by extensive operational experience: the operator's fleet has accumulated over 150 million kilometers of safe mileage and completed more than 10 million autonomous trips in various cities worldwide.
To use the service, residents need to download the Apollo Go application and register an account. After logging in, users can specify pick-up and drop-off points within the service area. For example, a short trip from Jumeirah Mosque to Umm Suqeim is available.
After confirming the ride, the vehicle arrives at the selected location. Passengers can unlock the car using a one-time password (OTP) provided in the application and begin their journey.
Salik has partnered with Shamal to introduce seamless parking payment methods at the new multi-level Harbour West Car Park in Dubai Harbour. Drivers will now be able to pay parking fees directly through their Salik accounts, eliminating the need for tickets, cash, or traditional payment methods.
The agreement, which takes effect on July 13, provides a digital payment solution from Salik at the new site in collaboration with Parkonic. This expands the toll operator's services beyond just collecting tolls.
This nine-story parking garage features 845 parking spaces across a total area of 31,487 square meters, including rooftop parking. It is designed to serve Dubai Harbour, as well as nearby areas such as Dubai Marina, Marina Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City.
Salik stated that this integration should simplify entry and exit processes, improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, and enhance overall customer satisfaction by removing conventional payment procedures.
Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, noted that this partnership is another step in the company's transformation into a broader mobility and digital payment platform. He emphasized: 'As Dubai continues to grow as a global destination, we are focused on expanding Salik's services in key locations and strategic assets, providing smarter and seamless solutions that enhance the customer experience.'
Abdullah Bin Habtoor, CEO of Shamal, added that incorporating Salik's payment technology in Dubai Harbour will improve visitors' journey and support the smart infrastructure of the area. Both companies noted that this collaboration aligns with Dubai's ambition to become one of the smartest and most connected cities in the world, and supports Salik's strategy to expand its digital payment ecosystem across transport networks and smart parking systems.
City Walk in Dubai has implemented a barrier-free and ticketless parking system, according to the company Parkin. This change is intended to improve the visitor experience.
In the City Walk area, parking is provided free of charge for the first hour. After the free period ends, a fee of 5 Dirhams (Dh5) is charged for each hour or part of an hour. These charges are automatically debited from the Parkin account. If the user does not have a Parkin account or if it lacks sufficient funds, a payment link will be sent to them.
In the The Boulevard area, visitors can use free parking for the first thirty minutes. Subsequently, a fee of 20 Dirhams (Dh20) is charged for each additional hour. According to the City Walk website, parking payment is made through the visitor's Salik account.
Visitors who spend at least 50 Dirhams (Dh50) in any participating establishment are entitled to three hours of free parking. To receive this benefit, they must present a parking ticket at the counter of the respective establishment. Furthermore, Parkin has entered into a five-year agreement with Al Ghurair Centre to implement smart, ticketless parking. Visitors to Al Ghurair Centre are granted three hours of free parking, after which tariffs apply from Monday to Saturday; parking remains free on Sundays and public holidays.
Dubai company Parkin, the largest provider of paid services and public parking facilities in the emirate, has signed a five-year agreement with Al Ghurair Center to implement smart, ticketless parking.
Visitors will be able to use three hours of free parking. After this, standard rates apply from Monday to Saturday, while parking remains free on Sundays and public holidays. Customers can pay parking fees before leaving or within five days through Parkin's integrated digital channels.
Shoppers who spend AED 200 or more at Al Ghurair Center will receive two additional hours of free parking beyond the standard three hours, provided they confirm at the Customer Service Desk. Additionally, visitors purchasing tickets at Star Cinemas will also receive two extra hours of free parking.
The five-year partnership also includes providing options for monthly parking subscriptions and specialized parking management solutions for the Al Ghurair Centre Residence residential complex and Rawabeh commercial tenants. Access to the parking lot will be restricted to vehicles registered under valid lease agreements and designated parking spots, ensuring a safe and well-managed environment for residents.
Parkin will also provide compliance and operational management services designed to optimize parking availability, encourage adherence to regulations, and ensure fair access for all users. The new parking system will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), eliminating the need for physical tickets and allowing faster access to parking zones. A new camera with a built-in screen will be installed in Al Ghurair Center for the first time, providing visitors with real-time information and support.
Engineer Abdelrahman Alshuwaihi, Operations Director at Parkin Company, noted that Dubai's retail spaces require parking systems that are intuitive, efficient, and capable of supporting high visitor traffic while maintaining a seamless customer experience. He added that by implementing advanced ANPR technology and an integrated digital platform, a smooth parking process will be ensured, reducing congestion and improving accessibility for everyone.
Rami El Sharawi, Vice President of Hospitality at Al Ghurair Hospitality and Al Ghurair Center, stated that the collaboration with Parkin allows them to achieve this goal by removing one of the oldest obstacles in retail—the parking barrier. Implementing this seamless ticketless system means more than just adopting smart technology.
